EXHIBITION: Enter the world of Norman Swann, elderly architect and proprietor of an elaborate apartment in South Kensington. As Norman struggles to deal with the burden of his cultural heritage, the arrival of his unscrupulous former
student, now a famous architect to the stars, threatens to destabilise his fragile existence.

EXHIBITION: Presenting one of the world’s greatest artistic traditions, Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900 will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see rare surviving works of art drawn from collections around the world.

Displays

DISPLAY: Enter through the Grand entrance of the V&A and look up. Here you are greeted by the 28.280 custom-made chandelier by Canada-based designer Omer Arbel. Hung from the Cupola, the highest point of the building, the installation spans the vast height of the Museum, cascading more than 30 metres through the centre of the Ceramics Galleries, past the coffered ceiling beneath and finally appearing above the main doorway as visitors enter the museum.

DISPLAY: The V&A Illustration Awards celebrate the best illustration published over the last year. Artwork from the best illustrated book, book cover, editorial illustration and student illustrator of the year are recognised.

DISPLAY: At the turn of the 20th century, entertainment by and for the people was at its peak in Britain. Audiences jostled, boozed and sang along in over 500 music halls. Music halls were a result of Britain’s expanding commercial power, and for newly affluent workers they provided an escape from working life.

DISPLAY: 'Beautiful Writing pleases everyone, it makes one sought after,' explained the French writer Père Gregoire Martin in 1761. Having a fine writing hand was not only a useful skill but the sign of an educated and genteel person

TOUR: Take a guided tour of the V&A's exciting theatre and performance collections, including rock & pop posters, theatre and ballet costumes, puppets, stage sets and more! See new costumes from the Lion King now on display.